Shaping a Greener Future: How Close to 500 Schools Drive Recycling
Launched in 2023, the Cora School Recycling League concludes in an annual Award Ceremony that celebrates schools leading the way in waste diversion and recycling.
DRIVING ZERO-WASTE GOALS THROUGH EDUCATION
Designed to cultivate environmental responsibility through education, Cora’s School Recycling League (League) is a cornerstone initiative supporting Singapore’s zero-waste ambitions. With close to 500 schools onboard, thousands of students are embracing recycling as part of their daily lives – through hands-on challenges that make sustainability creative and fun.
To strengthen this growing movement, we introduced REhub, a smart recycling hub that enables real-time data tracking and optimises operations. Launched at Mee Toh School in conjunction with the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s Clean & Green Day, 100 REhubs will be deployed across schools by end-2025.
The Award Ceremony shines a spotlight on students, educators and brand partners who made this year’s success possible. From SG60 sculptures crafted from household packaging to vibrant recycling corners, these young changemakers are shaping a future of environmental stewardship.
In 2025, schools tripled recycling efforts, collecting 46 tonnes of recyclables and avoiding 76 tCO₂e emissions. These results prove how small actions, multiplied across communities, create big impact.
PARTNERING FOR GREATER CHANGE
Beyond collection volumes, creativity took centre stage through three thematic recycling challenges led by United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB), LION Corporation and Tetra Pak Southeast Asia. Their commitment inspires schools and organisations alike to deepen their role in sustainability.
Representatives from Sembcorp Industries, Tetra Pak Southeast Asia, Thong Siek Global, LION Corporation, and United Overseas Bank (from left to right) received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mr. Seah Yong Soon, Chief Financial Officer of Cora Environment.
Commemorating their 90th Anniversary, UOB gave back to the community through sustainability. In a pilot initiative, festive packet recycling was introduced to thirty schools and the top recycling corners were awarded with $1,000 cash prizes.
(Left) UOB Festive Packet Recycling at Angsana Primary School (Right) UOB Best Decorated Recycling Corner Challenge by Little Olive Tree – Yishun
In a second-year partnership, LION Corporation continued recycling awareness efforts through a Clean and Green Workshop focused on practicing recycling and good hygiene. They also ran an SG60 themed recycling challenge and rewarded winners with up to $1,800 worth of LION products. Schools designed sculptures made from upcycled LION product packaging, showing how easily everyday products can be transformed into something meaningful.
(Left) LION Clean and Green Workshop (Right) LION SG60 Challenge winning sculptures: ‘Soaring as One Singapore’ by Yuvabharathi International School, ‘Merlion Sculpture’ by PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Limbang 543, ‘A Rainbow of Kindness, A Greener Tomorrow’ by My First Skool @ Blk 153 Bishan
Tetra Pak Southeast Asia introduced beverage cartons as a new recycling stream within the League. To recognise schools leading the way, the top schools from each level received a table and chair set made entirely from recycled Tetra Pak materials, showcasing true circularity. Collectively, schools recycled close to 490kg of recycled beverage cartons.
Tetra Pak challenge winners (shown in order): My First Skool @ Blk 153 Bishan, Tampines North Primary School, ITE College Central
CELEBRATING THE GOLD AWARD WINNERS
Gold Award Winners (from left to right) Eleanor Quek, HOD (Total Curriculum) – Mee Toh School, Tan Cai Ting, HOD/Craft and Technology – Manjusri Secondary School, Tan Siew Hwee June, Subject Head CCE – Victoria Junior College, Cheryl Lin, Principal – My First Skool @ 153 Bishan
In addition to the recycling challenges, Gold Awards were also presented to top performers across all four education levels, acknowledging schools that had achieved the highest amount of waste diverted over an entire year of recycling. These champions exemplify how sustained effort drives measurable impact.
LOOKING AHEAD
As another successful year concludes, the habits built – sorting, collecting, upcycling – will ripple beyond classrooms into homes and communities. Sustaining momentum is key. By integrating data insights and enhancing infrastructure, we aim to strengthen visibility and inspire continued engagement. Together, we are shaping a future where young recyclers drive collective impact and advance Singapore towards its sustainability goals.